RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 7 sourcesSophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington. © Imagn
Late in the first quarter against the Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was running out for a fast-break layup when DiJonai Carrington came from behind and made heavy contact around the neck and head area. Officials reviewed the play that knocked down Cunningham and upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, resulting in the automatic ejection of Carrington.
The play heightened tensions between the two players as Cunningham looked angry while she was getting back on her feet. Meanwhile, Carrington was escorted to the locker room.
On Saturday, Caitlin Clark’s former Fever teammate Sydney Colson shared the following cryptic reaction:
“Love a trans foul.”
It’s not hard to see where Colson was going with this comment, especially at a time when the debate over the participation of trans athletes is playing out.
Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington’s Trade Shots After Fever Win
After Fever’s 90–86 win over the Chicago Sky, DiJonai Carrington posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever” on Threads to suggest the Flagrant 2 foul decision was influenced by Sophie Cunningham’s race.
Meanwhile, in the post-game conference, Cunningham deemed the foul “unnecessary” from Carrington.
“Clearly, I think it was like unnecessary. I’ve never really spoken to her and have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent-up stuff. So, get your (stuff) off. That’s fine. I can take it,” the Fever guard said.
Cunningham also made it clear that race didn’t play a role in the officials’ decision.
“I think the league is taking care of that,” Cunningham added. “This has nothing to do with race. Last year, I did the same thing and I got kicked out. And I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason even to play that card.”
Meanwhile, Fever head coach Stephanie White said she doesn’t think the “hard foul” was intentional from Carrington.
“It was a hard foul. I don’t think that Dijonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did, but it did happen, and I thought it was the right call,” White said.
Cunningham is in the spotlight following her comments against the participation of transgender athletes. The Fever guard said she wants to protect young girls from sharing the same locker room space with biological men.
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